It’s so easy to get into a routine with our fuzzy family members. Especially between kids and work and everything else, we get really used to the same products and supplies we always use for our pets. But stick with us. There are so many cool pet products out there that we weren’t even areare of. So get cuddled up with your sweet companion and get ready to spoil them. Check out our cool pet products picks below!
Basepaws At-Home Pet Health Tests
Basepaws
We'd love it if our pets could tell us exactly how they're feeling all the time, but since they can't, Basepaws developed their at-home pet health tests to give us the low down on our pets' health. Each test includes personalized insights into your dog or cat, including disease detection and genetic predisposition. Pick the best test for them, swab, and receive your pet's full health report.
Dog Bark Deterrent Device Alternative to Shock Collars
NPS
Amazon is calling this one a game-changer, and in our experience, it is. This hand-held device combines auto shut-off hearing safety with an ultrasonic dog whistle (they're the only ones who can hear it!) to stop barking, digging, jumping, and more. According to NPS, it's more effective than traditional dog whistles or clickers, and it's designed to shut off before it can damage their ears. No more yelling? We're in.
This scratcher/lounge combo is perfect for kitties who can't keep their claws out of your furniture. Made from sturdy corrugated cardboard and designed in a cool reversible infinity shape, it lasts longer than traditional cat scratchers, too!
Okay, we know that you probably already know about pet fountains. But this one has a full 95oz capacity perfect for multi-pet households! It filters their drinking water, has 2 flow designs, and lets you see how much they drink in real-time through the LED-lit window.
Whether you're working to slow down your dog's rapid eating or just want to give them something fun to do using treats or kibble, this adorable snuffle mat will have them digging and sniffing and not chewing your shoes, all at the same time.
Deeply committed to both your cat and your living room design? This circular cat tree not only looks like art, but it's easy to clean, comes in several finishes, and even offers free customization. It's 100% handmade, too!
Pet parents rave about the Diggs Revol Crate. Not only does it look good in any room, it’s incredibly easy to set up, has wheels for transport, can be collapsed in no time, and comes in multiple colors (and additional accessories!). Turns out, not all dog crates are created equal.
Keep 'Em Out/In Clear Decorative Divider by Jennifer Fisher
CB2
This acrylic divider has to be one of the chicest pet 'gates' we've ever come across! Just adjust once to the desired width and you're all set. Shiny metallic feet and connecting hardware are both functional and pretty.
Celeb dog-lover Kaley Cuoco created Oh Norman! eco-friendly and ethically-sourced dog products inspired by the pup who changed her life. A portion of all sales goes to dog rescue organizations and initiatives, so we'll take one of everything. WTF Soft Treats (Wholesome, Tasty, & Fresh) are a pumpkin slice treat that we're tempted to try, ourselves (we won't, but we're tempted).
This app-enabled pet door allows you to control exit and entry, set schedules, get notifications, and remotely control it from anywhere! The SmartDoor comes with a Pet Door Key that attaches to your pet’s existing collar, giving them exclusive access through the door. Pets and other animals who don't have a Pet Door Key are kept out. Talk about serious peace of mind.
Dog boots aren't just cute; they help protect their sensitive pads from the elements and rough terrain. These are available in multiple colors and sizes.
Perfect for cats that prefer to sleep in garages, porches, barns, or even in colder parts of the house providing a nice cat cave with a cat warming pad inside.
This treat puzzle is multiple toys in one! With 14 storage compartments, your doggy can flip and slide the pieces around to keep them entertained and improve their brain power.
This wheel takes cat exercise seriously. Picture a kitty hampster wheel with no splinters, minimum gaps to prevent pinches, and a quiet design (so you won't be woken up at 2am to cat cardio). There are several colors available, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
From a weighted basketball to infinite jewelry and games that will get them outside, these gifts for tweens will get a thumbs up from your hard-to-please older kid
Finding the perfect gift is tricky, especially for the tweens and teens on your list, because, let’s face it, they’re not easily impressed. Getting it right with this age group requires some serious legwork, but it’s so worth it! That’s why we’ve pulled together gifts for tweens that we know they’ll love—from the coolest decor for their rooms to games to keep them happily entertained; each one is a total vibe. Have younger kids at home? Check our gift guides for preschoolers and grade school kids, and don’t forget the stocking stuffers!
XBox Mobile Game Controller
Hook your iPhone up to this handheld controller for a better gaming experience on the go.
Dear Rebel: 125+ Women Share Their Best Advice for the Girls of Today
Through letters, poems, essays, self-portraits, and more, the authors tackle topics like overcoming obstacles, discovering your passion, and dreaming big.
Paris Hilton Mini Refrigerator and Personal Beauty Fridge
Walmart
Keep cosmetics and drinks cool, or keep towels and cosmetic wax warm with this adorable pink mini fridge. It also includes a mirrored door with light, so you have everything you need in one cute little package. "That's hot."
In this fun, instructional graphic novel, follow the creative journey of aspiring manga artist Lemon-chan to learn how to draw the fundamentals of the manga style.
'What Happened to Rachel Riley?' by Claire Swinarski
In this indie bestseller, an eighth grader uses social media posts, passed notes, and other clues to find out why a formerly popular girl is now the pariah of her new school.
While you might not think a water bottle is that exciting of a gift, teens and tweens are obsessed with this Hydroflask, especially when they can deck it out with loads of stickers.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
The season is absolutely a time to indulge, but there are a few ways to keep you feeling your best and staying healthy during the holidays
There’s really no better time to eat, drink, and be merry than the holidays! All the best food is at our fingertips. Our favorite beverages, coffees, and cocktails are ready for the toasting. We’re surrounded by our favorite people. There are parties, class performances, and company holiday dinners. It’s what the holidays are really about and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But all of that merry-making can take a toll on our bodies and minds, so we’re rounding up way to stay healthy during the holidays.
Don’t think for a second we’re here to make you feel restricted or guilty. That’s not our style. We just want to keep our energy up, our immune system firing, and our mind free of burnout. The winter brings its share of bugs and germs, so adding that to the mix of holidays, richer eating, lots of shopping, and probably a little less sleep, it’s definitely the season to take care of ourselves and our families, too. Staying healthy during the holidays is a priority, for sure! It’s no time to get sick or overwhelmed (especially since that would mean missing all the fun).
Get ready to jingle all the way while making a few small tweaks along the road! We’ve put together some of the best tips, tricks, and products we’ve found to make sure you feel your absolute best while you’re creating new memories.
Emergen-C
A daily dietary supplement, Emergen-C dissolves in water for a fizzy drink packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, antioxidants, and electrolytes. Keep your immune system in tip-top shape so you can enjoy being surrounded by the people you love this season!
There are a ton of benefits to matcha, and much as we love a daily Starbucks green tea latte run, that's not the best idea for saving time or money. The Cuzen At-Home Matcha System makes it easy (seriously!) to make your own! It's designed to store, grind, and whisk Cuzen's organic leaves. Like coffee, freshly-ground matcha retains its best characteristics longer than its pre-ground counterparts! With a 4.6 star rating on Amazon, this is a fabulous gift for yourself and your tea-loving friends and family!
Famous Cuzen fans include Cindy Crawford, Carey Mulligan, Alicia Yoon—founder of Peach & Lily, and Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White.
You probably already know that extra virgin olive oil is considered a healthy, good fat. But did you know that the quality of the EVOO you eat really matters? We're fans of Corto TRULY 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil for their seriously solid quality. They harvest their olives at the peak of freshness in the fall and cold-extracted within hours at their on-site mill. Plus, no orders are stored longer than 4-6 weeks in their climate-controlled warehouse so we know we're getting really fresh EVOO that's excellent for cooking along with bread-dipping, tossing into salads, and anything else the holiday menu has in store!
Pretty much anything with the word "cocoons" just smacks of self-care, right? Add heat and massage and after a day of shopping, night of dancing, or a cold front, and this wrap is just about perfect!
The holidays call for late nights wrapping or socializing, so getting that full 8 hours of sleep can be challenging! Fake it if you must with this Overnight Brightening Mask from Pipette. Whether we're fully rested or not, this overnight exfoliating beauty combats dullness and discoloration so you wake up looking merry and bright.
Take 30% off your first Pipette order with code SQUALANE30
Are we pretty focused on sleeping this season? You bet. It's one of the best ways to sleigh self-care. You already know the misery that is a hot, sweaty, flat, unsupportive pillow. And for whatever reason, upgrading them is one of the last things we do for ourselves. The Marlow Pillow from Brooklinen was the jumpstart we needed to change that. Marlow is fully adjustable with three unique loft profiles and cooling technology that prevents the middle of the night sweaty wake up (you can count on the kids ready to open presents for that!).
Hydration is absolutely critical, even when you don't necessarily feel thirsty. We always keep water close at hand, but for an extra boost, nuun is a convenient instant powder that hydrates even faster!
Get your tranquility on among the hustle and bustle! This zen-as-can-be diffuser lets you relax with your favorite essential oils, so even if you're not actually able to kick back, you can take a few deep breaths for a spa-like moment or two. (We love adding holiday scents to it for a whole seasonal atmosphere!)
Out nighttime patterns can easily be disrupted between the time change and the holidays. thisworks Sleep+ Pillow Spray keeps you sleeping, assists with restlessness, and helps you wake up refreshed!
Help your hair recover from dry weather, extra styling, and winter hats with the JVN Hair Repair Routine! This set contains everything you need to restore your crown to its glory and trust us, the Pre-Wash Scalp Oil alone is a miracle.
Immunity on the go? During a season when we're constantly on the go, tossing this little spray filled with vegan, non-GMO spirulina, vitamin B complex, and vitamin D into your bag is a simple way to boost your energy, immunity, and brain power. We'll take two, please!
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All images courtesy of retailers.
Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement.
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.
19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.
Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.
14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing!
11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.
10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.
Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.
Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story.
Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.
Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.
Well-known as The Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells does way more than provide waterpark thrills and adventures on more than 200 plunge drops, tube rides, racing speed slides, bowls, water roller coasters, surf machines, wave pools and lazy rivers. And, of course, there’s a plethora of other attractions for all ages as well. This family-friendly destination brings multigenerational relatives together—the indelible memories created here will be the fodder for stories told around the dinner table for years to come. Pack the kids in the car, set out on a short three-hour road trip, and see for yourself why Wisconsin Dells has been touted as one of the Midwest’s best-rated vacation hot spots. Here are 10 ways families can enjoy Wisconsin Dells.
Start your vacation by diving into one of the best waterparks to start your vacation: Noah’s Ark Waterpark, America’s largest waterpark, spanning a whopping 70 acres with three miles of waterslides.
The smallest littles of your group will love splashing around in one of the four children’s water play areas or with a parent in one of the two wave pools. Paradise Lagoon has special rides and slides built just for them. Older kids will have a hard time not screaming on Raja: The World’s Largest King Cobra, which starts six stories up in the air and ends with a trip through the snake’s mouth. The Black Anaconda is a raft jaunt that three people can experience, and Time Warp is a bowl design that four family members can enjoy. If you need a break from the sun, check out the 4-D Dive-In Theater or the Safari Adventure Mini Golf, ideal for the whole family.
Wisconsin Dells houses over 8,000 hotel rooms, so picking the right one might seem a herculean task. Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort wins for being America’s largest indoor and outdoor combination waterpark and resort, built to thrill with over 500,000 square-feet of waterpark fun—that’s the same size as 12 football fields! Spend your day splashing around in four indoor and four outdoor waterparks at this resort—cabanas are available throughout to enhance your stay.
If you’d like to check out the dry adventures, pop over to the: Click ‘N Climb Challenge Walls, indoor and outdoor Go-Karts, CYvrSPACE Virtual Arena, Northern Lights Sky Ropes Course, Wild West Bumper Boats, indoor and outdoor mini golf, Mega Prize Arcades, Room Escapes, Timberland Playhouse, Wilderness Canyon Zip Line, and Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. You won’t go bored here, that’s for certain.
The award for the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin, traversing 125,000 square-feet, goes to Kalahari Resort Waterpark. Everyone, from young to young-at-heart, will enjoy a stay at this resort, which features a world-class spa, with manicure, pedicure, facial and massage treatments even for kids; varied dining, including options for even the pickiest of eaters; and a huge indoor waterpark. If your kids have ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid, shark or surfer, the Kalahari Resort Waterpark’s trainers can help.
Of course, there are plenty of other activities to do here as well: bowling, arcade, escape room, and The Arena virtual reality experience. Tom Foolerys Adventure Park features 100,000 square-feet of interactive fun for the whole family with awe-inspiring rides, activities and games. Siblings will magically play together and have those bonding moments that all parents hope for.
Get Your Thrills: Amusement Parks That Can't Be Beat
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
For thrill-seekers, or for people who like to watch from the safety of the ground, there are numerous amusement parks in Wisconsin Dells, perfect for the intrepid members of your family.
BigFoot Zipline Tours Fly through the oak and pine trees, from tower to tower, on Wisconsin Dells’ first zipline. Seven separate paths will provide hours of smile-inducing fun for your family. For special savings, purchase a package and enjoy multiple area attractions like the Dells Army Duck Tours, WildThing Jet Boats and BigFoot Zipline Tours.
Big Chief's Go Karts This family-friendly classic adventure is not only adventuresome but also, it’s affordable. For only $3.00, you’ll ride up and over hills and around hairpin turns with as much speed as you can muster. Grab some noshes and drinks afterward—definitely not before, unless your stomach is made of steel—at Pizza Pub, B-LUX Grill & Bar, Mr. Pancake, or Dairy Queen.
Heightened Adventures Heightened Adventures offers a Zip Line and Adventure Park located within Chula Vista Resort on six tree-filled acres. Seven zip lines and four ropes courses will keep your kids busy and active—it will be the best screen-free “online” experience yet. If mom and dad want to join in on the fun, there’s a Black Course for confident climbers over age 12, full of challenging obstacles and zip lines.
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Wisconsin Dells is known for having a lot of “firsts” and “biggest” attractions and Mt. Olympus is no different. It’s here that you’ll find the world’s first upside down wooden rollercoaster, with the world’s longest underground tunnel: Hades 360 Wooden Rollercoaster. Other must-visit attractions include: The Underworld Go-Kart Track, The Manticore swings, Almighty Hermes Swing, Cyclops Rollercoaster, Little Titans Rollercoaster, Kiddie Train, and more.
There are multiple ways to get in and around Wisconsin Dells through informative and fun scenic tours. Dells Trolley Tours, Ghost Boat’s “Journey to Haunted Canyon”, Lost Canyon Tours’ horse-drawn carriage rides, and Baraboo Tours for pedicabs are all standouts worth looking into for a memorable afternoon.
Canyon Creek Riding Stables is one of those adventures that sticks with you long after you’ve dismounted your horse. Go on a one-hour trail ride with your family, taking in nature’s beauty at every turn—ancient rock formations and a waterfall will delight every rider. Journey through a 200-foot tunnel, see Boot Hill Cemetery, and explore Canyon Creek’s Tombstone western town, where you’ll be greeted by the local sheriff and possibly Jailhouse Bob. Once you return, don’t forget to visit the petting zoo where you can feed farm animals.
Wisconsin Dells abounds with interactive activities that are sure to spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing. Challenge your brain power at Ripley Believe It or Not! Museum. Test your gem-finding skills and intuitive powers at Great Wolf Lodge’s MagiQuest and ShadowQuest collaborative games. Find the elusive golden skull at the Lost Temple. Pan for gold at Dells Mining Co. Learn about photography at H.H. Bennett Studio.
Circus World in Baraboo is entertaining for all ages, Palace Theater in the Dells showcases Broadway musicals and Disney classics, and the Crystal Grand Music Theatre is perfect for music lovers. For a classic Wisconsin experience, however, don’t miss the Dells Lumberjack Show. Watch brawny lumberjacks, made strong by that good Wisconsin dairy, compete in Canoe Jousting, Standing Block Chop, Ax Throwing, and Crosscut Sawing.
Popular amongst visitors is the Tommy Bartlett Show, a 90 minute, action-packed live event that will have you on the edge of your seats. With stunts, acrobatics and water skiers, this is anything but your ordinary show. It's been wow-ing fans for 67 years with extreme water skiing, incredible boat stunts and light-hearted comedy.
Watch 70 different species of animals, roam around as you ride on the Old Fort Dells Engine Number 9 Safari Train Ride. You can see more than 400 animals here, including an Artic fox, sloth, kangaroo, wildebeest, lion, and tiger. Timbavati Wildlife Park has it all—Swine Time Pig Racing, illuminating wildlife presentations, giraffe and camel feeding stations, and a large petting zoo and animal nursery for hands-on animal encounters. For a great lay of the land, start your adventure at the observation tower. You’ll spot things that you never thought possible for a day in Wisconsin.
A change of scenery, outside of the waterparks and adventure courses of the Dells, might be in order. Visit downtown, which is accessible and walkable and worth a look-see. Buy souvenirs at one of the many gift shops, sip espresso in a coffee house, and even get a photo keepsake at Capone's Original Old Time Picture Studio (there are a number of these photo studios). Downtown is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner, treat the kids to fudge and candy, see what you can find in one of the antique shops, and stretch your legs along the Scenic River Walk. You might just surprise yourself with what you’ll find.
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center, formerly known as Robot World, will delight and inspire your family through interactive scientific discoveries and science. This exhibit is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at its best, an educator’s dream. With 175 opportunities for learning, your kids will delve deep into science experiments, space exploration, technology-heavy activities and games of skill. This is the sort of place that a young kid can enjoy alongside an older sibling—in short, it’s fun for all.
Are you a super mom looking to amp up your daily dose of superfoods? Never fear—we’ve created a list of superfood recipes that are as healthy as they are delicious. From an acai smoothie bowl and homemade kale chips to a divine dark chocolate bark, comb through the ideas below for some super inspiration.
With perks like vitamin E, vitamin B6 and “good” fats, it’s no wonder avocado gets so much attention. We like how this idea goes beyond the standard avocado toast—you can even use other superfoods as toppings for an extra healthy kick. Learn more over at The View from Great Island.
Kale sports a ton of antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta-carotene, that will help keep you in tip-top shape and may even give your skin a beauty boost. The easiest way to get your fix? Kale chips! Go for homemade instead of store-bought with this recipe from A Little Yumminess.
Psst! Eating just a handful of walnuts a day can help you lower cholesterol, boost brain power, sleep better, prevent heart disease and more. Sounds pretty good, right? We recommend this ultra-classy way to eat walnuts—complete with brie and drizzled honey. For the how-to, head over to Inspired Taste.
This chocolate’s just for Mama! Not only does it give you a dark chocolate fix, it’s also topped with healthy nuts, seeds and goji berries, which offer beta-carotene, antioxidants and other immune-boosting perks. See? It’s your healthy duty to break off a piece of this bark. For the recipe, visit Choosing Chia.
Ready for a superfood double whammy? Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium and vitamin C. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Combine ‘em both in this irresistible salad, and you’ve got a real winner of a dinner. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Heads up, coffee lovers! This pudding fulfills your coffee craving and is positively filled with chia seeds. Those little black specks have an abundance of fatty acids, magnesium, iron and more. It’s the perfect reason to grab a spoon and dig in! You can nab the recipe from Nutritionist Meets Chef.
Oh my, omega-3s! Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which means you should definitely bookmark this recipe from A Healthy Slice of Life. The bourbon glaze adds a little something special, and the whole thing cooks up in about 10 minutes. Ready to try it? Get the recipe here.
Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut, with a high amount of fiber, potassium, iron, protein and more. The best way to much on this super snack? By tossing them with fresh cilantro and spices! Get the easy how-to over at Chef Savvy.
In addition to avocado benefits, these tasty bowls also offer all the perks of garlic. (Think: vitamins C and B6, manganese, antioxidants and more.) Combine all that with quinoa, and you’ve got a healthy meal filled with get-up-and-go. Find the recipe at Spirited and Then Some.
Seaweed is definitely worth eating for its antioxidants, calcium, and a wide range of vitamins—but if you’re looking to branch out from sushi rolls, why not use it to amp up your popcorn? This idea from Food to Glow has a little spice, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes. You can also sub in kale! Learn more here.
You can’t beat the benefits of beets! They offer vitamins A, B, and C, potassium and fiber—among other things. For an extra elevated sandwich, try combining beets and goat cheese—we guarantee it’ll be the tastiest, most grown-up grilled cheese you’ve ever had. Get the recipe from BS’ in the Kitchen.
Green Goblin Smoothie
Lindsey Johnson
What’s the perfect smoothie for a mom-on-the-go? This green concoction, which includes a whole lot of fruit (hello, vitamins!) and iron and calcium-rich spinach. The creamy and lightly sweet flavor will even please the kids—if you feel like sharing. Get the recipe here.
Love lentils? You should! They’re cheap, versatile and high in protein—not to mention, an excellent source of folate, potassium, and a bunch of antioxidants. Lentils make these quesadillas especially yummy, and since they’re pureed and mixed with salsa, they taste like refried beans. Get the recipe from Food Faith Fitness.
Did you know that just one kiwi packs 107% of your daily vitamin C? And one cup provides more potassium than the same amount of sliced bananas, but with less sugar and calories. That means that these popsicles are a real healthy treat—they even include some sneaky frozen peas! Get the recipe by clicking here.
Is this easy smoothie bowl the perfect dessert? You tell us—it’s packed with fruit, almond milk and pecans and all the vitamins and minerals that come with those awesomely healthy ingredients. You can use a combo of fresh and frozen fruit and even customize with other add-ins. Get the recipe from Veggies Don’t Bite.
What’s your favorite superfood recipe? Share with us in a comment below.
When it comes to kiddos and their legendary energy supply, forget trying to bottle it. A five-gallon bucket would be a better place to start. Siphon off some of that super juice into active games like flashlight tag, monkey tails and Simon Says to make bedtime easier. Your little Energizer bunny will drift off to dreamland in no time. Sleep tight!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Take it Outside
When it comes to energetic little people, nothing zaps that endless supply like the great outdoors. Give them game time coupled with fresh air and watch them crash. Hard. Here are our favorite ways to give them a (literal) run around in the backyard or at a local park before the sandman comes a-calling.
Light it up. The shorter nights make a few rounds of Flashlight Tag an enlightening pre-bedtime game. All you need is flashlight or two to shine on your sidekick as she darts back and forth across the yard trying to avoid the spotlight. Once she’s tagged, trade places or let her keep running for maximum sleep potential. Plan for about 15-20 minutes of play time before whisking your Little off to bed. She’ll be sawing logs faster than you can say “lights out!”
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Monkey around. Building on the “tag, you’re it!” theme, Monkey Tails is a silly variation that gets the whole crew involved in the chase. Simply tuck tails (socks or even dad’s ties make great ones) into the monkeys’ waistbands, then send everyone off, ducking, dodging and running wild, in an effort to keep their tails from being nabbed by another player. The last player with a tail wins. Then it’s off to bed for your little monkey.
Heed the call. Modify a classic pool game with a few tweaks, and you’ve got a backyard romp to tire out your kidlet. Play a few rounds of Marco-Polo outside before slipping on the jammies and starting the bedtime routine. All that ducking, dodging and blind searching is more tiring than you’d expect, which makes it a great way to wear out wee ones pre-bedtime.
Green light, go! Resurrect a playground fave to tire out the tots. We love Red Light/Green Light because it’s simple and quick to play. Plus, it gives parents the option to take it easy as the caller or join in the game (hello daily workout!). Stop and go until they’re tuckered out from all that running.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Play ball. Augment a standard game of catch with Pop Up (think fly ball!) to get those wiggles out before bedtime. Parents, work hard to launch balls rocket-style so littles players have a reason to run, run, run. With any luck, they’ll be worn out after a few “innings,” in addition to having a head start on training for the Majors. Play ball, then sleep tight!
Run a relay. Put all the stuffies around the pad to good use with a sleepy time relay race. The goal for this one is simple. Besides giving your wiggle worms a chance to dash here and there, it’s as easy as piling all the stuffies on one end of the yard and racing to put them to “bed” on the other. When the relay ends, send your little sleepyhead off to snuggle with all those lovies. Work out parent/sidekick teams or have sibs race against each other in this run-you-ragged pre-jammie game.
Explore Inside
For cold or rainy nights when outside play time isn’t an option, or for kids who like to live low-key, consider playing an inside game (or two) before they hit the hay. Take one of these ideas for a test drive the next time your crew has energy to burn.
Photo: Gabby Cullen
Strike a child’s pose. Soothe your sleepyhead to bed with a short and simple nighttime yoga session. Think of it as a reverse sun salutation to greet the moon and get your little yogi relaxed before tucking him in. Stretch and bend right along with your sidekick to get zen-ed out before stories. Best part? Jammies and yoga were made for each other.
Get tricked out. Reserve front row seats for a toddler pre-bed spectacular! Invite your sidekick to show you his best dance moves, tricks and gymnastics stunts on “stage” before heading off to bed. They’ll tumble tiredly into dreamland after putting on this production.
photo: Gabby Cullen
Follow the leader. Playing multiple rounds of Simon Says puts parents in charge of the petering-out pace. Wind them up with lots of jumps and twirls and hands on your toes to expend that daily dose of excited energy. Then quiet things down with stretches to the sky, yawns and a final curl up into bed. Simon says he’s all tuckered out!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Toss toys. This simple clean-up game is an easy two-fer. Focus energy from wound up toddlers getting ready to board the train to sleepytown? Check. Playfully encouraging cutie pies to clean up their play space? You bet. Set “baskets” out around the room and then have kids shoot toys for points from different angles. Keep score or total the toy tally for reinforcing fun. Practically perfect!
Guess again. This simple game will help your little thinkers put their brains to bed before their bodies settle in for the night by using up brain power. Lay out a toy grid on the floor and have a blanket at the ready. Then it’s eyes shut tight while mom or dad hides one toy under the blanket. Open them and the search is on as your little Sherlock tries to figure out which toy is missing. Eureka!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Time it out. Extra energy is no match for timed trials. So grab your device and use it to time the kidlets running stairs, taking laps around the kitchen island, tearing up the basement. Whatever “course” you choose, encourage little racers to beat their last time or compete against a sib before racing off to bed. And they’re off… to sleep!
photo: Gabby Cullen
Go on a hunt. Let them burn off those last bits of the day in search of stuffies for bedtime cuddles. Hide a bunch of them around the house, then send the littles off and running in an extensive search and rescue operation. Or tie in the hunt with getting ready by hiding pajamas, toothbrushes, books and blankies for tiny tots to find. We love the way this expenditure dovetails nicely into the nighttime routine.
How do you wear out the kids before bedtime? Tell us about it in a comment.
What’s all the noise? Music fuels the soul and feeds the mind. Kiddos boogie and bop while boosting brain power, learning patience, building up that elephantine memory, developing social skills, and fostering their creativity. Not to mention, they look pretty darn cute, shaking that diapered tush and lisping along to their favorite tune. This performer-filled town has melodic options for every mini musician – from your first class with baby, to mini rock stars in training, to veritable virtuosos in the making. Here are our favorite places for bringing a little do re mi into your wee one’s day.
Kindermusik
Every baby can make music, as soon as they can sit up, so Kindermusik is great introduction for every mini Mozart. And we do mean every – classes start for babies at 4 months old. Choose from multiple offerings weekly of either Kindermusik Village (ages 4-18 months) or Tiny Dancers (ages 14 to 30 months).
Ladybug Music
Our 2013 Totally Awesome Award Winner draws fans for its eclectic program that mingles bitty babes to pre-K for percussion jams, chanting world melodies and rhythmic movement.
Bonus: You can download their funky fresh playlists on iTunes to keep the music going at home. Locations: Studio City, Hollywood, Santa Monica Online: ladybugmusic.com
Little Movers & Shakers
This Totally Awesome Award Winner is a big favorite for simple reasons: the mixed-age classes of infants to 5 year olds means you can bring all your little tots to the same class, and the way they incorporate singing and storytelling means it keeps all those ages entertained. A sprinkling of percussion instruments, mixed with props and dance create a no-stress environment for grownups to lead the way for their charges. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions.
Bonus: Freebie alert – siblings under 9 months of age are free. Location: Sherman Oaks Online: littlemoversandshakers.com
Melodies and Me
Tiny toes tap to all sorts of songs, guided by an award-winning Kids’ MusicRound curriculum. Begin with baby (classes are for kids ages 0-5) to build basics of musical competence; kiddies learn to croon in tune and keep a beat with high energy music, movement and by playing percussion instruments. Caution: it might get loud. Bonus: Free previews and flexible make-up policy are music to our ears! Location: Burbank Online:melodiesandme.com
Rock Stars in Training
Begin the head-banging early: sweet shredders from newborn up to 4 years jam with real live band instruments — including keyboards, guitar, banjo and fiddle. The beat goes on with rock and pop songs; little ones learn pitch and tone from authentic card-carrying rock musicians.
Bonus: Form your own band and the teachers can come to you. Location: Classes in Westwood & Sherman Oaks Website:rockstarsintraining.com
Toddle Tunes
Too tiny to talk, but not to play tunes: wee ones discover musical sounds and instruments before they can even pronounce their names. Your future concert violinist or rock drummer learns the ropes with classically-trained and well-known musicians.
Bonus: From ‘pre-adagio’ newborns to ‘maestro’ preschoolers and ‘kids rock’ big kids, everyone can get a feel for performing, without having to practice! Location: West LA Website:toddletunes.com
Moo Moo Musica
Venice’s nonstop global dance party now rocks Culver City, too. Pint-sized peaceniks learn about world culture through songs and music in languages from Spanish to Swahili, complete with maracas, bongos and parachutes to keep them energized and on their feet. Best beats for crawlers and toddlers.
Bonus: No pre-registration is required, and you can drop in for one class, or sign up for a bundle (and save a bundle). Locations: Venice, Culver City Online:moomoomusica.com
Play Music
Mid-city’s ever-popular Play mixes it up with all ages, jamming with music & movement together. 6 months to 4 years will rock it with classes, CDs and take-home fun to keep the party going all week long.
Bonus: Mini melody makers become members at Play. (Hello drop-in Messy Art, on those non-music days…) Location: Mid-Wilshire Website:play-notes.com
World Citizen Baby
It’s never too early to build global awareness (can your kiddo Skype before he can speak?) and babies bop to the beat at this drum circle/sing-a-long. Conflicting nap schedules got you down? Wrangle your play pals for your own group immersion in multilingual melodies. Older kiddies can scale up to learning real instruments too: World Citizen Baby also offers private lessons in guitar, flute and voice.
Bonus: Get started with a free trial class. Locations: Miracle Mile, Culver City and Atwater Village. Online:worldcitizenbaby.com
Beyond Bopping – Music Lessons for Littles
Cornerstone Music Conservatory
From 10 months to 4.5 years old, mini-maestros begin with the basics of finger play and rhythmic beats. Curious kiddos over 4 can try their Harmony Road program, which is parent-and-child group piano instruction. Private instruction on virtually any instruments is also available, including Suzuki method violin.
Bonus: Flexible scheduling includes Saturday classes, so everyone can take part. Location: West LA Online:cornerstonemusicconservatory.org
Green Brooms Music Academy
Here’s “real music for real people,” with small group voice lessons focusing on vocal technique for ages 5 and up. Young strummers over 6 learn their licks on either acoustic or electric guitars. Laid-back recitals for family and friends nip performance anxiety in the bud.
Bonus: Private instruction is available on everything from upright bass to ukulele. Locations: Santa Monica and Pasadena Online:greenbrooms.com
School of Rock
Check, 1-2-3, check. Whoa, little too much reverb. Aspiring rockers of 7 and up take it to the next level in Rock 101, a performance–based approach teaching the basics in both weekly private lessons and band rehearsals.
Bonus: Prepare for a rock concert that’ll blow you away at the end of class. Locations: San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and West LA Online:schoolofrock.com
